W10-21H1 won't let me keep my files and apps

Question

Hi All,

I am trying to upgrade from 20H2 to 21H1.

I mounted Win10_21H1_English_x64.iso and ran setup. Got past the accept license screen and got the
following:

It does not let me keep my files and apps.

What the heck ???

Edit: my key is a W7 pro key. Is this a "one time" upgrade key?

-T

Answer 1

Figured it out. My notes:

How to fix broken in-place upgrade on Windows 10 20H2:

Reference: https://www.windowslatest.com/2020/11/15/windows-10-in-place-upgrade-bug-means-you-can-longer-keep-your-files/

To fix the in-place upgrade bug that causes “your files, apps,
and settings can’t be kept” error, follow these steps:

Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Click on ‘View update history’ button.

Click on ‘Uninstall updates’.

In Control Panel window, look for ‘KB4562830’.

Select the update package and click on ‘Uninstall’

Reboot your system.

"the in-place upgrade problem in 20H2 is fully fixed with the
newly released KB4586853 update, Mayank":

https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4586853
Note: one is downloaded in ..MyCDs/Windows/W10
      the Windows Update service has to be running to install this

Answer 2

Hello,

I can't see the screenshot, can you re-upload it. Also, if that 'keep my files and apps' screen goes out quickly, move on and when it goes to 'Ready to install' screen, you can click 'Change what to keep' link.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

You might have to type it in by hand. I could not figure out how to insert and image.

https://ibb.co/X52q8K3

"'keep my files and apps'" is disabled (greyed out)

Answer 4

Lets try the picture upload again:

Answer 5

Glad to hear this issue has been solved by yourself. Thanks for sharing:

Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click on ‘View update history’ button.
Click on ‘Uninstall updates’.
In Control Panel window, look for ‘KB4562830’.
Select the update package and click on ‘Uninstall’
Reboot your system.
Open the Media Creation Tool and you can now select the option that lets you keep your files.

I believe this experience will help other community members facing similar problems, please accept your replay as answer.

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